The Senate approved on second reading Wednesday, Sept. 9, a bill establishing a fixed five-year term for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials, just a day after the House of Representatives passed its own version on final reading.
Both measures postpone the upcoming village and youth council elections from November 2026 to November 2028.
On Tuesday, Sept. 8, the House approved House Bill No. 10971 on third and final reading with a 211-13 vote and one abstention.
Once fully enacted into law, the legislation will amend Republic Act No. 12232, formally extending the term length of barangay and SK leaders from four years to five years.
House Bill No. 10971 also establishes clearer term-limit provisions for local leaders. Under the measure, barangay officials will be limited to two consecutive terms, while SK officials will remain restricted to a single term.
Incumbent barangay officials currently serving their third consecutive term will be barred from running for the same position in the 2028 elections.
Under the bill’s provisions, any unspent funds previously allocated for the original November 2026 polls will stay with the Commission on Elections as continuing appropriations to support preparatory activities for the rescheduled 2028 elections.*
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